Vulcanizer mold



June 28, 1949. R. A. MCCLOUD ET AL VULCANI ZER MOLD Filed March 26, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR5 1 7 AoaERT/I. Mc Z2000 Johw LDAu/v 1 BAco/v ITTmA/E R. A. M CLOUD ET AL June 28, 1949.

VULCANI ZER MOLD 8 shetssheet 3 Filed March 26, 1945 INVENTORS Aoaekr .4. "cam/u, Jbmv L. .DAuM

' THOMAS E Bacozv BY June 2 8, 1949. R. A. McCLOUD ET AL 2,474,542

VULCANIZER MOLD Filed March 26, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 I INVENTORS EaaEkrA/Vccmua, Jo//-I..224u M THOMAS I? Ba -0M June 28, 1949. R. A. MCCLOUD ET AL VULCANI ZER MOLD 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 26, 1945 INVENTORS AaBERT A. Arc noun, Jan/v L. lbw/w 4 THOMAS P BA co/v BY M Fife/8M5) Filed March 26, 1945 June 285 1949. R, A, McCLOUD ET L 2,474,542

VULCANI'ZER MOLD 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 THOMAS I? BACON BYW June 28,1949. R. A. McCLOUD E AL VULCANIZER MOLD 8Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed March 26, 1945 IIII I INVEN'TORS Rqasm-A. Mc C100 Jo/MLJnu/v.

' THOMAS 84cm in the form of a ring on which suitable matrices rest. These flanges li have upwardly extending locating pins l5 thereon for cooperation with corresponding holes in the bottoms of the matrices, thereby to locate and hold said matrices in alignment with the respective mold sections.

The eccentric or shifting hinge connection between each wing section 4 and the stationary section 3 is accomplished by overlapping bearing brackets l8 and H] extended from the end of each wing section 4 and from the adjacent end of the stationary section 3. In each bearing bracket l8 and I9 is provided a cylindrical bearing 2|. Said bearings 2| in the normal closed position of the mold are coaxial. In each bearing 2| is an eccentric cam 22. A hole 23 extends through all the cams 22 parallel with the axis but off-set from the center of each cam 22. An eccentric or crank shaft 24 is extended through said holes 23. It is to be noted that the hole in the cam 22 in the lowest bracket |9 has an offset portion 26 which is aligned with the other eccentric holes 23, but the other ortion 21 of said hole isaligned with the true axis of the hinge and of the cams 22. The lower end of the crank shaft 24 terminates in a drive shaft 28 which latter is off-set with respect to the eccentricity of the holes 23 but is aligned with the true axis of the bearings 2 I.

The eccentric cams 22 in the bearing brackets l8 of the wing sections 4 are connected by suitable keys or set-screws 29 to the respective bearings 2| on the bracket l8. The eccentric cams 22 in the alternate bearings 2| on the stationary brackets I!) are keyed by suitable keys 30 to the crank shaft 24. When rotation is transmitted to the drive shaft 28, it turns the eccentric or crank shaft 24 around the axis of rotation of said drive shaft 28. The cams 22 and the bearings 2| of the stationary brackets I9 rotate with the eccentric shaft 24 around the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 28. The earns 22 and the bearings 2| of the wing brackets l8 are not rotatable and the eccentric movement of the eccentric shaft 24 around the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 28 will push the bearings 2| on the brackets l8 as well as the Wing sections 4 at said hinge so that the hinges of said wing sections 4 move substantially on a circular path defined by the shifting of the center of the eccentric shaft 24 around the axis of the drive shaft 28. This rotation is in a clockwise direction viewing Figs. 12 and 13. The cams at the left hand hinge in Figs. 5 to 8 inclusive rotate clockwise, the cams at the right of said figures rotate contraclockwise. In the normal closed position of the wing sections 4 the eccentric shaft 24 is in the position shown in Fig. 12. As the eccentric shaft 24 and the cams 22 in the bearings 2| of the wing section brackets l8 are rotated about a quarter of a revolution, the hinged portions of the wing sections 4 are shifted radially inwardly of the mold along the edge of the stationary mold and also slightly away from the stationary mold so that the corner 3| on the inside of the hinged end of each wing section 4 is pushed inwardly, thereby to move the corresponding corner of the matrix to engage the tire and force it away from the matrix in the stationary mold section 3. This first ninety degrees rotation will bring the inner mold corner 3| to its innermost position in the mold. The next consecutive ninety degrees of rotation will move the inner corner of each wing section 4 outwardly in alignment with but still spaced from the adjacent corner of the stationary section 3. After this shifting the wing sections 4 are opened at the free end so as to free the tire from said wing sections. When a new tire is placed in the mold and the wing sections 4 are again closed, as shown in Fig. '7, the rotation of the drive shaft 28 and of the eccentric shaft 24 is continued and during the next or third ninety degrees of rotation the inner corner 3| of the wing section 4 is pulled outwardly of the mold and toward the adjacent corner of the stationary section 3 substantially into the position shown in Fig. 8 and pulls the wing sections 4 together so that the closing of the wing sections 4 firmly draws and presses the tire against the matrix in the stationary mold 3. The final ninety degrees rotation of said drive shaft 28 and of the eccentric shaft 24 returns the hinge connection of the wing sections to the initial closed position, namely it moves the inner corners of the wing sections 4 inwardly of the mold and into alignment with the respective adjacent corners of the stationary section 3 and in close relationship with said last corners, resulting in firm engagement of the tire by the matrices in all the mold sections.

The rotation of the drive shaft 28 for shifting the hinges of the wing sections 4 in the manner heretofore described, is accomplished in two movements, I80 degrees each. The first part during the opening of the mold consists, of the first two ninety degree shifts to the point illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. The second 180 degrees turn includes the last two ninety degree shifts to the position shown in Fig. 8 and the return from there into the aligned position shown in Fig. 12. For accomplishing the rotative movement uniformly the lower end of the drive shaft 28 is supported in a bearing bracket 32. A gear 33 is keyed on the drive shaft 28 and is in mesh with a worm 34, which in turn is driven by a horizontal shaft 36. Rotation of the horizontal shaft 36 is imparted by a Worm and gear transmission 31 through a motor shaft 38 driven by a suitable electric motor 39. The horizontal shaft 36 simultaneously rotates both worms 34 at both ends of the stationary section 3. The worm 34 at one end is a right hand worm and at the other end is a left hand worm. On the lowermost cam 22 at each hinge is provided a circular flange 4| which has diametrically opposite notches 42 in its periphery. A catch 43 is slidably supported in a housing 44 adjacent each flange 4| and is pressed by a suitable spring 46 toward the periphery of the flange 4| for engagement with the respective notches 42. Inasmuch as the notches 42 are 180 degrees apart, the catches 43 stop the respective flanges 4| and the shifting of the respective hinges after each 180 degree turn.

A system of links 47 is used for the purpose of withdrawing the catches 43 from the respective notches 42 and for simultaneously closing the circuit of the electric motor 39 for the 180 degree rotative shifting of said hinges. This system of links 4'! includes an operating lever 48 extended to a convenient part of the mold for manipulation for the operator. This lever 48'is con- 5 lnectedlto ajlnk pivot 49. stilin'k 5| is pivoted sat oneien'd to the link pivot and its v.othemendito a short ilever 52. 'This=.-sh0nt-1ever 52 zisipivoted on a suitable Fbracket 3'53 :adiacentto .one. :of the control mechanisms :as *shown-rin .Fig.'; 9. The short lever52 is connected bYEfli-Shflft ;linl:..54 to the iforked end 55 :of the adjacent catch 43. .To the :endmf the short :lever 1-52 on .thepther side of its pivot doracketx53 :is pivoted .another :connecting dink 55.6 which isrsuitably hentso that its other end zi-s pivoted to .a llink :pla'te 1514, which latteris .pivotedato itheaforked end 55 zofithe other catch 4.3 as shown .in Fig. 9. .-A switch 'handle58 isconnected toithe dink plate 5:1 to i-be :mroved thereby in opposite directions according itothe operation of the system of links 41. The switch lSBamay beiof-any suitable construction, butz'itxiszsmadjusted that when the system of. links :41 :is moved :for withdrawing the catches 43 .;from .the respective notches 42, then cl'oses'ithe circuitcof the electrio motor 139 for the rotation of the respective hinges. When the matches 43 snap \into the notches 42 .zafter 180 l'degreesrrotation, then the following movement of the =system ;of links 41 moves =the1switchs58 hack :into the normally icircult-breaking position. :When the operator pulls the operating lever i482the systemof links 4 1'turns the short lever .52'and tpulls athelinkyplate .51 .so .as torwithdrawithecatches. from the respective notches 42 :and "simultaneously :to move the switch handle 58 to xclose the motor acircuit. .After the flanges 4:! are trotated with the shifting hinges 5180 .degrees :andthe .opposite notches 42 are aligned with'therespective catches 43, :the springs -46 "push the catches 43iint01these notches '42 and therebyv pull :the :system :of .-.links 4:! in the opposite direction, which movement will also return :the switch 5.8 into circuit zbreaking positions. .Thus the :uniform ashiftlngcof the :hinges at each operatiomis assured.

1n mother words theeccentric-shait :24 and the drive shaft 28 constitute a two-throw crankshaft which when :rotated, moves the :ofi-zcenter shaft with the :cams elizin the lowest bearing 21 and 'inithe second hearing-.2 I rfrcmzthertop soithat the .oams'zzz -inssaid beatingsfll :are:rotated. The samesaction throws the other icamsel linithe :otherxbearings means to zcircularly displace :the :top bearing .2l :and-the third rhearingzz'l from the top of the hinge in'zsucha waynas to shift-the connected end-50f athe wingasection .4 :relatively to the endsof'the stationary section :3rin the manner heretofore :described- It iszto doe notedthat during this. "operation of. 'theshifting of :the hinged end :of theiwing sections :4, .said wing :sections :4 g

are preferably :held together ;at their adjacent free ends. The :tire is 'thereforezmoved bodily with :the wingsrsoas to'move the .tirerawayffrom and towardwthe :matrixiimthe stationary .section respectively-duringthe first and second shifting .cyclesiof theshinge-connections.

, .Each Ewing. section :4 haste. .base bracket 6.! mounted on the under iSidie-Mf its bottom plate 8 wh-ich braokets. 6.1 extend inwardly soiasltoride .on theibase 1 of-the mold and; prevent thezdownward sagging .of .said. wing: sections :4. Each base bracket: 16]. may be locateddn suitable :place, but in the; present ,--illl.lstration :each bracket --.BI is spaced substantially midway :between the ends of each wing section 4,. To these base brackets 54' 28;!8 suitably :secured the :oppositeaends of a pneumatic orhydrauliemold-opening or closing mechanismtz. .This. mechanism 62.=is of the :freefloating, type, namely -.tl're z;elements-iofi the mecharr-ism =62 are supported. ionh-the irrespective- :base

6 hracketsifid iof the wing :sections ;4. This mechanism-E2: includes .a cylinder 83 and .a plunger-64 asuitabl-yrworking zinrrthercylinder 63, The work- -ing;;of thexqalungerlfilhin the 1cylinder 63 is prefer- :ably 20f :the'zdoulo'le :action type .and'is controlled thy 52.115 suitable valve mechanism :notshown. The .outer end \of the .cylinder 63 is .pivotally con- .nect'edhy meanszo'f ajlugtfili-on :a shaft 6! ex itendedrirom eabossaifl, on the under side of the iha'se zhrach'et 151.. .A .nut LE9 holds the lug '66 in place. iIlheputer-end of the :plunger 64 is similarlyconnected by :alugatfi :toi-another :boss '68 on the baseibracketiaBiof theother wingsection 4. The :cylinder .ficwrandthe plunger :64 are moved irelativelyito 0118 :ano'ther according 'to "the -communicating -;ofa cpressure medium to the cylintier it is :toibetnotedathat the stroke in the :cyli-nder 63 :is ioomparatively .long. When the .pressure medium is introduced ;-in the cylinder 63 inisuchza 'wayias stozpush the plunger 64 outwardiy :firnmzthezcylinder $.63, :then the wing sections are opened. When (the plunger. works inwardly :of'ithe 'cylind-er: Gil, then the wing-sections 4 :are :closed. Thisefloatin 'smechanism i62wi'll permit manipulation and .control ..of the opening .of the mold :in sucha :way :that the wing :sections A can :be. fully :opened zelzenxthoug h the tire sticks to one :wing 01";17116 gather. The control ;of the floating mechanism 462 is yery sensitive ;to control ;so that it can betimomentarily stoppedand started .again accordingto rthesstickin'g o'fsthetire :to the respective' wing vasecti'ons :4 and :therebyithe the can ;be easily freedirom: either :or Eboth of the wing .sectionsdl .Without .theenecessity of manually 1 prying the tire :ofi theimatrix :of either .of said sections. 1Ehis.-.-aetion also 'iacilitates the clampin of the tire iinzplace when; thermold is:closed. The action .ofxthis floatingmechanism -16 2 mermits the-sequalization .ofiorces in :open'ing .andmlos'ing FthEImOI'd, and the proper balance for therseparation :of the matrices .intthe wing "sections 4 :Irom the the ;periphery without injuring the design Qrireshly vulcanized crown :of itheitire periphery. The :ac- .tion ;of the -;opening :and :closing of the wing sections- 4 by the floating mechanism .62 is :particu- :larly illustrated I in Figs. l-Arand :15.

Thefastening of the wing sections 4 .in the closed ;positioncis accomplished by 'an eccentric lockingzmechanism':12, ash'own in :Fig. 1 and further ,illustratediinrfligs. 117 and 18. On ithe :Iree end 101 'one .Of the .wingssections 4 ai-e'provided a pairiof shearing :bushings .43 in :bearings 14. Each hearing-bushing 131s {concentric with the bearing 14 but the hole 16 in eachabushing 13 .is off-'center with respect toithezaxiszof said bearings l4 and, vbushings 313.. .lhevhearings 1-4 are spaced from each other-mespectively rat the top and at the .bottom of the-:endof thewing'section 4. The ends .11 of a crank shaft are journaLled in the holes it of the shearing bushings l3. :eccentrio throw E8of this crankshaft betweenthevends l1 51S :rotatable in :the space "between the bushings 13'. Over this eccentricthrow 1.8 is fitted a bearing; :19, from which ilatter extend arms 8| supporting a-.bar 82 :substantially parallel with the axis \Of the crank ss'haft bushings 73 and overlapping the end uo'f the -.:other w'in'g'section 4. I011 the-zendiofthis otherwwing section 4 are provided L- 138llfl0f spaced ':hooks. 83.. facing away from the end-of. the WiI'IQzSBGtl-OHS i4 aso-that projecting ends of the bar 82 zmaywbeengaged'with the spaced measles -for:drawing zandtclamping the free ends .ofi the wing sectionsA together.

.ThBw-HRPBI lend 1.1? of :theucrank .shaft extends above ;top-:shushing' 1:3 and lhasna handle 84 fixed thereon for turning the crank shaft. When the handle 84 is turned in a clockwise direction viewing Fig. 17, then the eccentric throw I8 is thrown toward the other wing section 4 and it shifts the bar 82 out of engagement from the hooks 83, whereupon the bar 82 can be turned with the bearing I9 into an out-of-way position permitting the opening of the wing sections 4. When the wing sections 4 are closed, the bar 82 and arms 8| and bearings 19 are turned around on the eccentric throw I8 so as to place the ends of the bar 82 behind the hooks 83 of the other wing section 4. Thereafter by turning the handle 84 in a contra-clockwise direction and into the position shown in Fig. 17, the eccentric throw I8 is moved away from the end of the other wing section 4 and pulls the bar 82 tightly against the hooks 83 and thereby tightly clamps the end of the wing sections 4 together. The operation is very simple and positive and does not require any hydraulic tools or wrenches or other auxiliary mechanism for locking the open ends of the wing sections 4 together. The outer end of each bushing 13 has a flange 86 with peripheral serrations 8T thereon. A set screw 88 threaded into each the top and bottom of the wing section 4 engages one of said serrations 81 of each flange 86 to hold the respective bushings 13 against rotation. This renders the locking mechanism 12 adjustable to take up wear or looseness of the clamping mechanism 72. For this adjustment the screws 88 are removed and the bushings 13 are turned so as to shift the eccentric hole 16 and the ends 11 of the crank shaft therewith to a desired extent for adjusting the relative position of the bar 82. After the adjustment, the screws 88 are replaced to hold to the bushings 13 in the adjusted positions. In this manner, the clamping mechanism 12 can be always adjusted for locking the ends of the wing sections 4 with a desired tightness.

A centering plate 89 serves as a stand or support for the tire to hold it in position for engagement by the Wing sections 4 of the mold. This plate 89 is held in position by pins 90 extended downwardly and guided in suitable tubular guides on the mold base I. A hollow hub 9| of this plate 89 is provided with cross abutments 95 for engagement by a suitable cross head of a suitable lifting rod for moving the plate 89 upwardly substantially in the manner shown in Fig. 2. When F this plate 89 is drawn against the sides of matrices in the mold sections after the mold is closed, it serves to reinforce the thinner sides and edges of such matrix sections.

A modified form of mounting and moving said centering and reinforcing plate 89 is shown in Fig. 16, which is movable toward and away from the bottom of the mold sections 3 and 4 also independently of the top plate. This plate is also used for centering the tire in the mold, namely the tire can rest on the plate 89 and be held in a position where it is in alignment with the curing cavities of the matrices in the mold sections 3 and 4, so that the mold can be accurately closed upon the tire in true aligned position. The end of a screw shaft 92 is fixedly secured, for instance by welding to the plate hub 9|. The screw shaft 92 is threaded in a traveling nut 93, which nut 93 is slidable in a guide tube 94. A screw 96, extended through the side of the tube 94 and into a slot 91 in the side of the nut 93, prevents rotation of the nut 93 in the tube 94, but allows upward and downward sliding movement of said nut 93. The lower end of the screw shaft 92 is slidably extended through a hole 98 in the bottom of the guide tube 94. A stop flange 99 at the lower end of the screw shaft 92 limits the upward movement of the screw shaft 92 in the guide tube 94. The initial adjustment of the centering plate 89 is accomplished by rotating the plate 89 so as to raise it to the level where the tire is to be held in alignment with the matrices in the mold sections 3 and 4. After the tire is so held and engaged by the plate 89 and after the mold is closed, the centering plate 89 may be turned away from the tire or from the bottom of the matrix. In the hub 9| is provided a cross slot I9I for the purpose of engagement by a corresponding crosshead on a rod or the like for lifting the plate 89 up against the outer and lower faces of the matrices for reinforcing the latter.

A top reinforcing plate I02 is shown in Fig. 2. The position of the top plate I02 in Fig. 2 is as it would be used in connection with matrices substantially lower than the height of the mold sections 3 and 4. This top plate I02 also has a hollow hub I03 with an abutment I04 therein. Through this hollow hub I03 extends a rod I06, the lower end of which has a cross head I01 thereon for engagement with the cross abutment in the hollow hub 9i of the bottom plate 89. The top of this rod its is threaded at I08. A nut I09 threaded on the rod I06 above the top of the hub I622 of the top plate I02 has handle bars III thereon so that when'the top plate I02 is in position, by turning the nut I09 the rod I08 can be drawn upwardly so as to pull the lower hub 9| and the bottom plate 89 upwardly against the bottom flanges of the matrices in the mold sections 3 and 4. A cross bar II2 in the top of the rod I06 assists in turning the rod I06 so as to release or engage the cross head I01 with the cross abutment 95 in the bottom hub 9I. There are suitable spaces or slots between the abutments 95 through which the cross head I01 can be inserted or removed, when the rod I06 is properly turned.

In this mold a device is provided for utilizing power for lifting the top plate I02 and the rod I06 into an out-of-way position. This lifting device includes a cylinder II'I vertically mounted on the stationary section 3. In this cylinder II'I works a tubular plunger IIB the top of which is connected by bracket arms II9 to the top plate I02. Inside the tubular plunger II9 Works an other plunger I2I which extends beyond the first tubular plunger H8 and has its top connected by another bracket arm I20 to a support I23 under the nut I09 on the rod I06. On the lower end of the inner plunger I2I is a head I22. A slidable bearing I24 is provided above said head I22 so as to move with the inner plunger I2I upwardly until said bearing I24 hits a stop I26 extending inwardly from the outward tubular plunger H6. After such abutment the pressure will raise both the inner and outer plungers together. The outer plunger II8 also has a head I21 at its lower end which after a certain stroke will abut a fixed bearing I28 on the inner periphery cylinder III to limit the upward stroke. Pressure medium is admitted to both cylinders simultaneously through holes in the bottom of the cylinder II! and through head I21 of the outer plunger I I8, but the area to which this pressure is applied at the inner plunger I2I is relatively greater in proportion to the weight it carries than the same pressure as applied against the head I21 of the outer plunger H8. The application of pressure therefore first raises the inner plunger I2I and the rod I06 therewith so as to withdraw the rod IOB tothe limit of the upwardstroke-of the inner plunger l 2 I, and then the entire force-of the pressure is applied to the outer plunger ll8- for lifting the heavier weight of the top plate it? as well as the rod I06 The rod I-ll6,'the plate [02' andthe plungers- H8 and 121 in the lifted position are indicated in broken lines in Fig. 2, at which place they are in out-ofway position permitting the opening ofthemold and the removal of the tire. The operation of this double plunger lifting structure is controlled by suitable valves and vents not shown.

In operation the wing sections 4 of the mold are opened. Suitable matrix sections are placed on the bottom flanges oi the mold sections. Then the bottom plate 89 is adjusted in position and the tire to be vulcanized is placed thereon and properly centered. Thereafter the pneumatic closing mechanism 62- is actuated through suitable valves to close the-wing sections 4- around the periphery of the tire. Preferably before the ends of the wing sections 4 are clamped together tightly, the system of links 41 is actuated by pullingv the operatingbar 48 to actuate the hinge shifting mechanism for shifting the hinges from the position shown in Fig, 7' into the position shown in Fig. 8 and thereby drawing the tire tightly against the stationary section 3 and in the same continuous movement to return the hinged corners of the wing sections 4 to the initial aligned positions as shown in Fig. 12'. During this operation: the pneumatic mechanism 62' holds: the .wingsections 4' in closed position. Then the clamping mechanism 12 is applied to tightly draw the free ends of thewingseotions 4 together. Then the top plate I I12 is lowered upon the top of the matrix and the rod IDS is moved into engagement with the hub of the bottom plate 89 in the manner heretofore described. By turning the nut Hi9, the plates 89 and I02 are tightly held in their reinforcing positions. Thereafter, heat is admitted into the mold sec tions through suitable flexible piping I29 as shown in Fig. 1., and th heating medium, such as steam, is circulated through said mold sections in the manner heretofore described. After the tire is cured for-the desired length, of time, the operating bar; 48 of the link. system 41 is pulled again for releasing the hinges of the wing sections and shifting them again half a revolution namelyfrom the position shown in Fig. 12 to the position shown in Fig. 13:, thus stripping the tir away from the stationary sections 3, and shifting back again to the position shown in Fig. '7 ready for the next operation, at which latter position the shifting is automatically stopped: in the manner heretofore described.- Before this hinge shifting, the clamp'mechanism 12 may be preferably disengaged or opened. Thereafter" the pneumatic opening mechanism 62'is operated intermittently for exerting equalized pull on the movable wing sections l for completely opening the same andloosening them from the cured tire. After the mold is opened the tire can be removed laterally because as shown in Fig. 14; the opening mechanism opens this mold to sufficient width for the lateral removal of the tire. The mold is thenready for repeating the aforesaid operation,

We claim:

1. In a vulcanizer mold of the character described, a stationary mold section, a swingable wing section at each end of the stationary mold section, hinge means to connect an end of each wing section to an end of the stationary section; and said hinge means including arotatable pivot,

and connecting elements between thepivot and the hinged end of its wing section to impart gyrating movement to said hinged end inwardly and outwardly with respect tothe inner periphery of the mold and of the stationary section respectively to push the tire away from the stationary section and to permit the pushing of the tire against said stationary section as said pivot is rotated.

2. In a vulcanizer mold of thecharacter described, a stationary mold section, a swingable wing section at each end ofthe stationary wing section, hinge means to connect an end of each wingsection to an end of'the stationary section, said hinge means including a rotatable pivot, and connecting elements between the pivot and hinged end" of its wing section toimpart gyrating movement to said hinged end inwardly and outwardly withrespectto the inner periphery of the mold and of the: stationary section respectively to push the tire away-from the stationary-section and to permit thepushing of the tire-against said stationary section as said pivot is rotated, and means to predetermine-the-rotation of said rotation, of said rotating means and the shifting of said hinge-means in either direction.

3. In a vulcanizer-moldof the character described, a stationary mold section, a swingable mold section at each end and incontinuation of the stationary mold section, a hinge device conmeeting each swingabl'e mold section to the adjacent end of" the stationary mold section, said hinge device including a rotatable element and connecting membersbetween said rotatable element andthe hinged end of each swingable section eccentric-with-respect to the axis of rotation of said element to shift said hinged end on a substantially circular path inwardly and away from the adjacent end of-the stationary section during the first halfofeach revolution of said element and outwardly and back to the initial position during theotherhalfi of each revolution of said element, anda control mechanism to con.- trol said rotation and. to; stop said rotation and shifting; after each half revolution.

4. In: a. vulcanizer mold of the character described; a plurality of mold; sections forming a complete moldwhenv closed. a hinge connection between said sections. for opening and closing the mold. a rotatable element eccentric with respect to. its axis of rotation forming a shifting pi in each hingerconnection and members in each hinge connection for converting said shifting: of saidpivotvv into shifting. of the. hinged end of: one section relatively to the adjacent end of the nextsection; when said element is rotated.

5. In a vulcanizer mold: of the character described, a plurality of mold sections forming a complete mold, when-closed. ahinge. connection between said sections for opening: and closing the mold, a rotatable element eccentric with respect; to its'zaxis of rotation forming a shifting Divot; in. each hinge connection and members in each hinge connection for convertingsaid shifting of said pivot-intoshiiting of the hinged end of one section relatively to the adjacent end of the next section when said element is rotated.

and means simultaneously to. rotate said elemeritsv in. all of said hinge. connections.

6. In. a. vulcanizer mold of the character described, a plurality of mold sectionsv forming a complete mold, when. closed. a hinge connection between said sections for opening and closing the mold, a rotatable element eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation forming a shifting pivot in each hinge connection and members in each hinge connection for converting said shifting of said pivot into shifting of the hinged end of one section relatively to the adjacent end of the next section when said element is rotated, and a control mechanism to rotate said elements simultaneously in all hinge connections one half of a revolution for each shifting of said ends of said sections.

7. In a vulcanizer of the character described, a plurality of mold sections movable relatively to one another for opening and closing said mold, a hinge connection between adjacent ends of adjacent sections including, an eccentric pivot element, members around each eccentric element connected to the movable sections for shifting the adjacent hinged ends of the movable sections from an initial aligned position to inward projection of one end with respect to the adjacent end and then to outward projection of said end with respect to its adjacent end when said eccentric element is rotated, means to rotate said eccentric elements simultaneously, and a control mechanism to actuate said rotating means and to limit the eccentric movement to one half revolution from said initial position at one actuation and to the other half revolution at the next actuation.

8. In a vulcanizer of the character described, a stationary mold section, a movable mold section at each end of said stationary mold section forming a full circle mold when the movable sections are closed together, a hinge connection between each end of said stationary section and the end of the adjacent movable section, including, a rotatable pivot element eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation, connecting members between said eccentric element and said hinged end for shifting said hinged end of the movable section from an aligned position inwardly of the mold and away from said stationary section during one half revolution of said eccentric element and outwardly of the mold and back to the aligned position during the second half of each revolution of said element, means to rotate said eccentric elements, L i

and an actuating and control mechanism to actuate said rotating means and to limit the rotation of said eccentric elements to the respective half revolutions after each actuation.

9. In a tire vulcanizer of the character described, a stationary mold section, a movable mold section at each end of said stationary mold section, a hinge connection between each end of the stationary section and the adjacent end of each movable section, said hinge connection including a plurality of aligned cam elements having aligned holes therethtrough 01f center with respect to the axis of the hinge, certain of said elements being fixedly connected to the movable section and the other elements being rotatably held on the hinge of the adjacent end of the stationary section, a crank shaft having its throw extended through said aligned holes, means to rotate said crank shaft for rotating said cam elements in the hinge of said stationary section and to shift the hinged end of said movable section from an initial aligned position inwardly of the mold and then to an aligned position spaced from the stationary section in one half of each revolution, and then outwardly of the mold from said last aligned position and back to the first aligned position during the other half of each revolution of said crank shaft, and an actuating and control mechanism to actuate said rotating means and to limit each'shifting movement to said respective half revolutions of said crank shaft.

10. In a tire vulcanizer of the character described, a stationary mold section, a movable mold section at each end of said stationary mold section, a hinge connection between each end of the stationary section and the adjacent end of each movable section, said hinge connection including a plurality of aligned cam elements having aligned holes therethrough ofi center with respect to the axis of the hinge, certain of said elements being fixedly connected to'the movable section and the other elements being rotatably held on the hinge of the adjacent :end of the stationary section, a crank shaft having its throw extended through said aligned holes, means to rotate said crank shaft for rotating said cam elements in the hinge of said stationary section and to shift the hinged end of said movable section from an initial aligned position inwardly of the mold and then to an aligned position spaced from the stationary section and then outwardly of the mold from said last aligned position and back to the first aligned position during each revolution of said crank shaft, means to actuate said rotating means,-means to limit the rotation of said crank shaft to one half revolution for each actuation, and a mechanism to control said actuating and limiting means.

11. In a tire vulcanizer of the character described, a stationary mold section, a movable mold section at each end of said stationary mold section, a hinge connection between each end of the stationary section and the adjacent end of each movable section, said hinge connection including a plurality of aligned cam elements having aligned holes therethrough off center with respect to the axis of the hinge, certain of said elements being fixedly connected to the movable section and the other elements being rotatably held on the hinge of the adjacent end of the stationary section, a crank shaft having its throw extended through said aligned holes, means to rotate said crank shaft for rotating said cam elements in the hinge of said stationar section and to shift the hinged end of said movable section from an initial aligned position inwardly of the mold and then to an aligned position spaced from the stationar section and then outwardly 7. of the mold from said last aligned position and back to the first aligned position during each revolution of said crank shaft, a releasable catch device to automatically engage and hold said hinge connection in said initial position and in said aligned spaced position, and a mechanism to release said catch device and actuate said rotating means and to render said rotating means inoperative when said catch device engages said hinge connection.

12.- In a tire vulcanizer of the character described, a stationary mold section, a movable mold section at each end of said stationary mold section, a hinge connection between each end of the stationary section and the adjacent end of each movable section, said hinge connection including a plurality'of aligned cam elements having aligned holes therethrough oif center with respect to the axis of the hinge, certain of said elements being fixedly connected to the movable section and the other elements being rotatably held on the hinge of the adjacent end of the stationary section, a. crank shaft having its throw extended through said aligned holes, means to rotate said crank shaft for rotating said cam ele-. ments in the hinge of said stationary section and 13 to shift the hinged end of said movable section from an initial aligned position inwardly of the mold and then to an aligned-position spaced from the stationary section and then outwardly of the mold from said last aligned position and back to the first aligned position during each revolution of said crank shaft, one of the elements connected to said crank shaft having diametrically opposite detents thereon. a releasable catch device to automatically engage one of said detents when said movable mold section is in said initial position and the other detent when said movable mold section is in said spaced aligned position; and a control mechanism for releasing said catch mechanism and starting said rotating means and thereafter for stopping said rotating means when said catch device is automatically re-engaged with either of said detents after each half revolution of said crank shaft from said initial position,

13. In a tire vulcanizer of the character described, a stationary mold section, a movable mold section at each end of said stationary mold section, a hinge connection between each end of the stationary section and the adjacent end of each movable section, said hinge connection including a plurality of aligned cam elements having aligned holes therethrough oil center with respect to the axis of the hinge, certain of said elements being fixedly connected to the movable section and the other elements being rotatably held on the hinge of the adjacent end of the stationary section, a crank shaft having its throw extended through said aligned holes, means to rotate said crank shaft for rotating said cam elements in the hinge of said stationary sections and to shift the hinged end of said movable section from an initial aligned position inwardly of the mold and then to an aligned position spaced from the stationary section and then outwardly of the mold from said last aligned position and back to the first aligned position during each revolution of said crank shaft, one of the elements connected to said crank shaft having diametrically v opposite detents thereon, a releasable catch device to automatically engage one of said detents when said movable mold section is in said initial position and the other detent when said movable mold section is in said spaced aligned position; and a control mechanism for releasing said catch mechanism and starting said rotating means and thereafter for stopping said rotating means when said catch device is automatically reengaged with either of said detents after each half revolution of said crank shaft from said initial position, said control mechanism including a system of links connected to the catch devices at both movable section hinges and to an electric circuit control, said rotating means being controlled by said electric circuit control.

14. In a vulcanizing mold of the character described, a stationary mold section, a swingable mold section at each end of said stationary mold section, and a power actuated opening mechanism connected to and supported solely on said swingable sections to apply opposite forces to said swingable sections for opening and closing the same.

15. In a vulcanizing mold of the character described, a stationary mold section, a wing section swingably mounted at each end of said stationary section, a cylinder, a piston working in said cylinder, said cylinder being pivotally connected to one of said wing sections and said piston being pivotally connected to the other wing section, said cylinder and said piston being supported on 14 said wing sectionsand both being movable, and exerting respectively opposite forces on said wing sections for opening and closing of said mold.

16. In a vulcanizing mold of the character described, a stationary mold section, a wing section swingably mounted'at each end of. said stationary section being movable into mold closing and opening positions, a cylinder and plunger mechanism operated by apressure medium and freely suspended from said wing sections, said cylinder being connected to one wing section and said piston to the other wing section substantially parallel with a chord of the circle of the mold for exerting opposite fmtceswon said wing sections to: opening and closing said mold.

17.. In a vulcanizing mold of the character described, a base, a stationary mold section on the base, a wing sectionswingably mounted at each end of the stationary mold section, relatively movable power operated elements beneath the base suspended from said wing sections, both elements being movable relatively to said base, each element being connected to one of said Wing sections for moving said wing sections outwardly into open position when said elements are moved outwardly from each other and into closed position when said elements are moved together.

18. In a vulcanizing mold of the character described, a base, a stationary mold section on thebase, wing sections swingably mounted at the opposite ends of the stationary section to complete the mold, a cylinder and plunger mechanism operated by a pressure medium for moving said cylinder and plunger relatively to one another, means to connect said cylinder to one Wing section, and means to connect said plunger to the other wing section, said cylinder and plunger mechanism being freely supported on said wing sections only for free relative movement of said plunger and cylinder for exerting opening and closing forces on said wing sections.

19. In a. vulcanizing mold of the character described, a base, a stationary mold section on the base, wing sections swingably mounted at the opposite ends of the stationary section to complete the mold, a cylinder and plunger mechanism operated by a pressure medium for moving said cylinder and plunger relatively to one another, means to pivotally connect said cylinder to one wing section, and means to pivotally connect said plunger to the other wing section, said cylinder and plunger mechanism being freely supported on said Wing sections only for free relative movement of said plunger and cylinder for exerting opening and closing forces on said wing sections.

20. In a vulcanizing mold of the character described, a stationary mold section, a swingable mold section at each end of said stationary mold section, and a power actuated opening mechanism connected to and supported solely on said swingable sections to apply opposite forces to said swingable sections for opening and closing the same, hinge means connecting each swingable mold section to said stationary section, and including a shifting device in each hinge means eccentric with respect to the axis of its hinge for section, and a power actuated opening mechanism connected to and supported solely on said swingable sections to apply opposite forces to said swingable sections for opening and closing the same, hinge means connecting each swingable mold section to said stationary section, and including a shifting device in each hinge means eccentric with respect to the axis of its hinge for shifting the hinged end of each swingable section inwardly and outwardly of the mold respectively to urge the tire away from or toward said stationary section when said swingable sections are held in position by said opening mechanism, and means to actuate and control said eccentric shifting mechanism while said opening mechanism holds said swingable mold sections in adjusted position.

ROBERT A. McCLOUD.

JOHN L. DAUM.

THOMAS P. BACON.

REFERENCES CITED The following referenlces are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,996,971 Murphy Apr. 9, 1935 2,038,213 Frank Apr. 21, 1936 2,147,339 Glynn Feb. 14, 1939 2,174,188 Heintz Sept. 26, 1939 2,339,696 Hawkinson Jan. 18, 1944 2,345,172 Bacon Mar. 28, 1944 2,370,655 Glynn Mar. 6, 1945 2,372,644 Bacon Apr. 3, 1945 

